Take a walk on wild side in Kerry

A WISE man of our acquaintance, who’s as healthy as a proverbial trout, made a sweeping statement the other day.

“If more people took up walking, we wouldn’t be long reducing our hospital waiting lists,” he said, and then trotted off.

He’s pushing towards pension age, but starts each day with an hour-long walk when most people are still in bed, is bursting with energy and doesn’t carry an ounce of excess weight. He’s an inspiration to anyone wishing to shake off winter cobwebs and get out into the countryside during Easter.

There’s now a large variety of walking and cycling trails countrywide — 43 way-marked trails in 25 counties. And, they’re not just for tourists: we’re also meant to use them ourselves.

Trails range in length from shorter stretches, which can be completed in less than an hour to stretches that can take several days. The landscape through which they run is also varied, from coastal to upland areas, from river bank to forest and from semi-urban environments to some remote parts, including offshore islands.

Over 150 national looped walks have also been developed, while Coillte provides recreational trails in its forests throughout the country. Given fine weather, could there be a better way of healthily spending time during Easter? Take the Blackwater Way, which links the Duhallow Way and Avondhu Way. This is a formidable 168km walking route that runs from the borders of west Co Waterford across the spine of north Co Cork and into Co Kerry, following the valley of the River Blackwater. It is part of the European E8 route.

Rich in topography and features, it snakes along mountain flanks with splendid views, passing by ancient monuments such as standing stones, stone circles and cairns, and more modern monuments such as cillins (infant burial grounds) and holy wells. Along the way, the towns of Fermoy and Millstreet and the villages of Kilworth, Ballynamona and Bweeng are encountered.

The walk, which can be done in sections, finishes in Shrone, in the shadow of the Paps mountains and just over the border in Co Kerry. Shrone is also the location of an ancient stone fort and place of pilgrimage, known locally as The City.

Useful, cheaply priced guide books are available for many walks. The latest to hand is from the pen of Cork civil engineer Jim Ryan and is titled, Scenic Walks in Killarney.

It is truly said that storied Killarney has a walk for every day of the year. In his easy-to-use guide Ryan, has chosen just 18 walks, most of which can be completed comfortably by anyone who is reasonably fit.

Being mainly concentrated in Killarney National Park, the walks are through some exquisite scenery, taking in jewels such as Ross Castle, Dinis Cottage, Muckross, Torc and Tomies Wood, to mention just a handful. Ryan’s guide is illustrated by simple, clear maps and photographs that will lure people to see the beauty spots in reality, so to speak.

Included in the recommended walks is a boat trip through the famed lakes, which can be undertaken as part of a walk. While on the lakes, especially on the western side of Lough Lein, there’s always a chance of seeing at close quarters one of the white-tailed sea eagles which have been introduced to the area.

During her four-day visit to Killarney, in 1861, Queen Victoria took in some walks that reached into woodlands, nature trails and the surrounding mountains. People still use these walks. Ryan’s well-crafted guide will certainly help walkers to better appreciate not only the obvious beauty of Killarney, but also its wildlife, flowers, trees and general environment. The text is also leavened with tall tales from jarveys and boatmen and historical snippets about places through which walkers pass and about which they might not otherwise be aware, all of which enhance the experience of Killarney.

The irishtrials.ie website, meanwhile, has plenty of info about walks nationally. The reviews on the website are overwhelmingly favourable.

One overseas visitor reviews the Beara Way: “This is a very nice way. We hiked this partially with our backpacks from Dursey Head to Killarney. There were many flowers, green grass and beautiful views. All the people are friendly. In the villages, there are many colourful houses. The whole road was very well marked.”

Another overseas visitor had a cryptic comment about the Burren Way. from Hag’s Head to Doolin, Co Clare: “One of the best walks I’ve ever taken. The views were stunning. Thanks.”

But it seems, from some reviews, a few people are not prepared for the wet and rough underfoot conditions they sometimes meet. So, be well shod — there’s no point in heading out in light runners! Happy Easter walking.

lScenic Walks in Killarney — a walking guide by Jim Ryan, is published by The Collins Press. €9.99.